Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Not long ago, I completed nine months of living in London. Though it’s not a long span, I’ve gathered some reflections in this time. London is a vibrant city, notable not only for its range of housing opportunities but also for its multicultural communities. Students have a plethora of options available to them. Both student lodgings and private rentals offer choices such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently organize apartment viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom allow international students to browse potential rentals online, review amenities, and evaluate proximity to public transport.
In my hunt for accommodation, I sought a room in Central London to remain close to key landmarks, social venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with zones one and two at the heart of it all. London features a superb transport network, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making city traversal and inter-zone travel straightforward. To minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal journeys can be as much as £5.25 daily, I chose to walk short distances rather than take a bus or tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more cost-effective. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground system, reaching areas outside central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services differ based on distance and each train company’s fare structure. The major attractions in Central London add to high living expenses. Luckily, attending university alongside a friend enabled us to share a room, significantly cutting down on rent. I preferred to live in intercollegiate accommodations to meet students from various backgrounds and similar ages, a combination that is often harder to find in private housing.
Being close to grocery shops was essential for me. Common supermarkets are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, alongside budget-friendly alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential stores like supermarkets and pharmacies saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam weeks.
Choosing a neighborhood can be daunting. London’s ethnic communities play a pivotal role in its cultural variety, presenting a rich assortment of neighborhoods. Many international students seek a sense of familiarity with their homelands while in London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a significant South Asian community featuring Indian dining, grocery outlets, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton in South London is celebrated for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in London’s West End, is a lively area filled with numerous Chinese dining spots, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few instances of community-focused neighborhoods.
The most suitable areas for living in London hinge on personal interests and requirements. When on the lookout for a new residence in London, embrace the diversity and depth of its housing options, explore cultural hubs, and relish the convenience and vibrance of this extraordinary city.